Plant explosion near Waco

Rescue workers searched rubble that witnesses compared to a war zone early Thursday for survivors of a fertilizer plant explosion in a small Texas town. The blast injured more than 160 people and killed between five and 15.

By Houston Chronicle web staff

on April 18, 2013 11:30 AM

Photo: Johnny Hanson/Houston Chronicle

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A house in West burns after the West Fertilizer Plant exploded. (Kristen Crow/Twitter/Waco Herald-Tribune)

A house in West burns after the West Fertilizer Plant exploded. (Kristen Crow/Twitter/Waco Herald-Tribune)

A house in West burns after the West Fertilizer Plant exploded.... Photo-4489117.60587 - NewsTimes

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The remains of a silo that was part of a fertilizer plant burns and smokes Thursday morning, April 18, 2013, after the plant exploded Wednesday night in West, Texas. The massive explosion killed as many as 15 people and injured more than 160, shaking the ground with the strength of a small earthquake and leveling homes and businesses for blocks in every direction. (AP Photo/LM Otero) less

The remains of a silo that was part of a fertilizer plant burns and smokes Thursday morning, April 18, 2013, after the plant exploded Wednesday night in West, Texas. The massive explosion killed as many as 15 ... more

Photo: LM Otero, Associated Press

The remains of a silo that was part of a fertilizer plant burns and... Photo-4490734.60587 - NewsTimes

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A fire burns at a fertilizer plant in West, Texas after an explosion Wednesday April 17, 2013 (AP Photo/Michael Ainsworth/The Dallas Morning News)

A fire burns at a fertilizer plant in West, Texas after an explosion Wednesday April 17, 2013 (AP Photo/Michael Ainsworth/The Dallas Morning News)

Photo: Michael Ainsworth, Associated Press

A fire burns at a fertilizer plant in West, Texas after an... Photo-4489328.60587 - NewsTimes

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Sens. John Cornyn and Ted Cruz survey the aftermath of the fertilizer plant explosion in West, Texas. (Photo from Twitter)

Sens. John Cornyn and Ted Cruz survey the aftermath of the fertilizer plant explosion in West, Texas. (Photo from Twitter)

Congressman Roger Williams, left, speaks with reporters about the West, Texas fertilizer plant explosion as Senators John Cornyn and Ted Cruz listen at a news conference on Friday April 19, 2013. The massive explosion at the West Fertilizer Co. Wednesday night killed as many as 15 people and injured more than 160. The bodies of 12 people have been recovered, authorities said Friday. (AP Photo/Star-Telegram, Ron T. Ennis) less

Congressman Roger Williams, left, speaks with reporters about the West, Texas fertilizer plant explosion as Senators John Cornyn and Ted Cruz listen at a news conference on Friday April 19, 2013. The massive ... more

Nicole Lopez and her 15-year-old daughter, Gabby, from West, Texas put supplies in a box for Lopez's aunt at a distribution center to help those affected from the West Fertilizer explosion on Friday, Apr. 19, 2013. Lopez said her home was not affected from the blast. less

Nicole Lopez and her 15-year-old daughter, Gabby, from West, Texas put supplies in a box for Lopez's aunt at a distribution center to help those affected from the West Fertilizer explosion on Friday, Apr. 19, ... more

A woman rummages through a hugh pile of shoes at a distribution center where supplies like water and clothing, including medical supplies, are being dropped off or picked up as needed, in West, Texas, on April 19 2013, two days after a deadly fertilizer plant blast occured. While rescuers in Texas were set to return to the rubble in their continuing search for survivors after the massive blast killed as many as 15 people and destroyed dozens of homes, all roads leading to the area of destruction have been closed off and manned by various state authorities controlling the entry and exit of vehicles and people. AFP PHOTO/Frederic J. BROWNFREDERIC J. BROWN/AFP/Getty Images less

A woman rummages through a hugh pile of shoes at a distribution center where supplies like water and clothing, including medical supplies, are being dropped off or picked up as needed, in West, Texas, on April ... more

Photo: FREDERIC J. BROWN, AFP/Getty Images

A woman rummages through a hugh pile of shoes at a distribution... Photo-4498962.60587 - NewsTimes

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Stacks of 'Pure Life' water sit on the roadside as vehicles are directed to a distribution center where supplies like water and clothing, including medical supplies, are being dropped off or picked up as needed, in West, Texas, on April 19 2013, two days after a deadly fertilizer plant blast occured. While rescuers in Texas were set to return to the rubble in their continuing search for survivors after the massive blast killed as many as 15 people and destroyed dozens of homes, all roads leading to the area of destruction have been closed off and manned by various state authorities controlling the entry and exit of vehicles and people. AFP PHOTO/Frederic J. BROWNFREDERIC J. BROWN/AFP/Getty Images less

Stacks of 'Pure Life' water sit on the roadside as vehicles are directed to a distribution center where supplies like water and clothing, including medical supplies, are being dropped off or picked up as ... more

Photo: FREDERIC J. BROWN, AFP/Getty Images

Stacks of 'Pure Life' water sit on the roadside as... Photo-4498965.60587 - NewsTimes

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A volunteer carries a mattress to load onto a truck at a distribution center where supplies like water and clothing, including medical supplies, are being dropped off or picked up as needed, in West, Texas, on April 19 2013, two days after a deadly fertilizer plant blast occured. While rescuers in Texas were set to return to the rubble in their continuing search for survivors after the massive blast killed as many as 15 people and destroyed dozens of homes, all roads leading to the area of destruction have been closed off and manned by various state authorities controlling the entry and exit of vehicles and people.AFP PHOTO/Frederic J. BROWNFREDERIC J. BROWN/AFP/Getty Images less

A volunteer carries a mattress to load onto a truck at a distribution center where supplies like water and clothing, including medical supplies, are being dropped off or picked up as needed, in West, Texas, on ... more

Photo: FREDERIC J. BROWN, AFP/Getty Images

A volunteer carries a mattress to load onto a truck at a... Photo-4498968.60587 - NewsTimes

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Vehicles wait in line while headed to a distribution center where supplies like water and clothing, including medical supplies, are being dropped off or picked up as needed, in West, Texas, on April 19 2013, two days after a deadly fertilizer plant blast occured. While rescuers in Texas were set to return to the rubble in their continuing search for survivors after the massive blast killed as many as 15 people and destroyed dozens of homes, all roads leading to the area of destruction have been closed off and manned by various state authorities controlling the entry and exit of vehicles and people.AFP PHOTO/Frederic J. BROWNFREDERIC J. BROWN/AFP/Getty Images less

Vehicles wait in line while headed to a distribution center where supplies like water and clothing, including medical supplies, are being dropped off or picked up as needed, in West, Texas, on April 19 2013, ... more

Photo: FREDERIC J. BROWN, AFP/Getty Images

Vehicles wait in line while headed to a distribution center where... Photo-4498970.60587 - NewsTimes

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A "God Bless West" sign in West, Texas, Friday April 19, 2013. The bodies of 12 people have been recovered after an enormous Texas fertilizer plant explosion that demolished surrounding neighborhoods for blocks and left about 200 other people injured, authorities said Friday. (AP Photo/Mike Fuentes) less

A "God Bless West" sign in West, Texas, Friday April 19, 2013. The bodies of 12 people have been recovered after an enormous Texas fertilizer plant explosion that demolished surrounding neighborhoods for blocks ... more

Texas Senator John Cornyn, right, talks to the media after touring the site of a fertilizer plant explosion Friday, April 19, 2013 in West, Texas. The massive explosion at the West Fertilizer Co. Wednesday night killed as many as 15 people and injured more than 160. The bodies of 12 people have been recovered, authorities said Friday.(AP Photo/Charlie Riedel) less

Texas Senator John Cornyn, right, talks to the media after touring the site of a fertilizer plant explosion Friday, April 19, 2013 in West, Texas. The massive explosion at the West Fertilizer Co. Wednesday ... more

West resident Betty Tucker, 82, who owns the apartment complex that was devastated by the West Fertilizer Co. plant explosion is given a hug by friend, Jack Clements at The Village Bakery Thursday, April 18, 2013, in West, Texas.
Tucker said she hasn't been able to reach three residents, but she hoped everyone got out in time. A massive explosion at the plant killed as many as 15 people and injured more than 160, officials said overnight. less

West resident Betty Tucker, 82, who owns the apartment complex that was devastated by the West Fertilizer Co. plant explosion is given a hug by friend, Jack Clements at The Village Bakery Thursday, April 18, ... more

Law enforcement and rescue personnel search the damage to an apartment complex from the explosion of the West Fertilizer plant on Thursday, April 18, 2013, in West, Texas. A massive explosion at the plant killed as many as 15 people and injured more than 160, officials said overnight. less

Law enforcement and rescue personnel search the damage to an apartment complex from the explosion of the West Fertilizer plant on Thursday, April 18, 2013, in West, Texas. A massive explosion at the plant ... more

Photo: Smiley N. Pool, Houston Chronicle

Law enforcement and rescue personnel search the damage to an... Photo-4493406.60587 - NewsTimes

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Clayton Tribble, 9, of West sits during a candle light vigil held at St. Mary's of Assumption Catholic Church as more than 500 gathered to mourn those hurt and killed in the West Fertilizer Co. plant explosion Thursday, April 18, 2013, in West, Texas. less

Clayton Tribble, 9, of West sits during a candle light vigil held at St. Mary's of Assumption Catholic Church as more than 500 gathered to mourn those hurt and killed in the West Fertilizer Co. plant explosion ... more

Claudia Wolfe shows how her window was blown out by the West Fertilizer Co. plant explosion Thursday, April 18, 2013, in West, Texas.

Claudia Wolfe shows how her window was blown out by the West Fertilizer Co. plant explosion Thursday, April 18, 2013, in West, Texas.

Photo: Johnny Hanson, Houston Chronicle

Claudia Wolfe shows how her window was blown out by the West... Photo-4494422.60587 - NewsTimes

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A flag is at half mast after the explosion at a West, Texas fertilizer plant.

A flag is at half mast after the explosion at a West, Texas fertilizer plant.

Photo: Johnny Hanson

A flag is at half mast after the explosion at a West, Texas... Photo-4490653.60587 - NewsTimes

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Iesha Chapman, 46, of Waco, holds the hands of her friend Janie Salazar, right, 57, of West at the Best Western hotel Thursday, April 18, 2013, in West, Texas. Salazar and her family had to evacuate her home after a massive explosion. less

Iesha Chapman, 46, of Waco, holds the hands of her friend Janie Salazar, right, 57, of West at the Best Western hotel Thursday, April 18, 2013, in West, Texas. Salazar and her family had to evacuate her home ... more

A destroyed car sits as firefighters conduct a search and rescue of an apartment complex destroyed by an explosion at a fertilizer plant in West, Texas, Thursday, April 18, 2013. A massive explosion at the West Fertilizer Co. killed as many as 15 people and injured more than 160, officials said overnight. less

A destroyed car sits as firefighters conduct a search and rescue of an apartment complex destroyed by an explosion at a fertilizer plant in West, Texas, Thursday, April 18, 2013. A massive explosion at the ... more

The remains of a home burn early Thursday morning, April 18, 2013, after a fertilizer plant exploded Wednesday night in West, Texas. The massive explosion killed as many as 15 people and injured more than 160, shaking the ground with the strength of a small earthquake and leveling homes and businesses for blocks in every direction. (AP Photo/LM Otero) less

The remains of a home burn early Thursday morning, April 18, 2013, after a fertilizer plant exploded Wednesday night in West, Texas. The massive explosion killed as many as 15 people and injured more than 160, ... more

Photo: LM Otero, Associated Press

The remains of a home burn early Thursday morning, April 18, 2013,... Photo-4490668.60587 - NewsTimes

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A person looks on as emergency workers fight a house fire after a near by fertilizer plant exploded Wednesday, April 17, 2013, in West, Texas.

A person looks on as emergency workers fight a house fire after a near by fertilizer plant exploded Wednesday, April 17, 2013, in West, Texas.

Photo: Waco Tribune Herald, Rod Aydelotte

A person looks on as emergency workers fight a house fire after a... Photo-4490395.60587 - NewsTimes

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A destroyed car sits as firefighters conduct a search and rescue of an apartment complex destroyed by an explosion at a fertilizer plant in West, Texas, Thursday, April 18, 2013. A massive explosion at the West Fertilizer Co. killed as many as 15 people and injured more than 160, officials said overnight. (AP Photo/LM Otero) less

A destroyed car sits as firefighters conduct a search and rescue of an apartment complex destroyed by an explosion at a fertilizer plant in West, Texas, Thursday, April 18, 2013. A massive explosion at the ... more

WEST, TX - APRIL 18: West High School senior Mackenzie Wernet (C) is embraced by fellow students and friends after praying for the victims and survivors the day after the West Fertilizer Company explosion April 18, 2013 in West, Texas. Wernet's home was destroyed when the fertilizer company caught fire and exploded, injuring more than 160 people and leaving damaged buildings for blocks in every direction. less

WEST, TX - APRIL 18: West High School senior Mackenzie Wernet (C) is embraced by fellow students and friends after praying for the victims and survivors the day after the West Fertilizer Company explosion ... more

WEST, TX - APRIL 18: West High School senior students Mackenzie Wernet (R) and Heather Perry embrace after praying for the victims and survivors the day after the West Fertilizer Company explosion April 18, 2013 in West, Texas. Wernet's home was destroyed when the fertilizer company caught fire and exploded, killing at least five people, injuring more than 160 people and leaving damaged buildings for blocks in every direction. less

WEST, TX - APRIL 18: West High School senior students Mackenzie Wernet (R) and Heather Perry embrace after praying for the victims and survivors the day after the West Fertilizer Company explosion April 18, ... more

Photo: Chip Somodevilla, Getty Images

WEST, TX - APRIL 18: West High School senior students Mackenzie... Photo-4492474.60587 - NewsTimes

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WEST, TX - APRIL 18: With smoke rising in the distance, a law enformcement officer runs a check point at the perimeter about half a mile from the West Fertilizer Company April 18, 2013 in West, Texas. A massive explosion at the fertilizer company injured more than 100 people and left damaged buildings for blocks in every direction. The death toll from the blast, which occured as firefighters were tackling a blaze, is as yet unknown. (Photo by Chip Somodevilla/Getty Images) *** BESTPIX *** less

WEST, TX - APRIL 18: With smoke rising in the distance, a law enformcement officer runs a check point at the perimeter about half a mile from the West Fertilizer Company April 18, 2013 in West, Texas. A ... more

Photo: Chip Somodevilla, Getty Images

WEST, TX - APRIL 18: With smoke rising in the distance, a law... Photo-4492734.60587 - NewsTimes

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WEST, TX - APRIL 18: Hewitt, Texas police officer Mike Zahirniak (R) comforts his son, Coy Zahirniak, 9, outside the West Community Center the day after the West Fertilizer Company explosion April 18, 2013 in West, Texas. Coy alerted his family to the fire across the street from his grandfather Willie Zahirniak's home and the plant exploded as they evacuated. The home was destroyed and Coy has been credited for saving his family from harm. The fertilizer company caught fire and exploded, killing more than five people, injuring more than 160 people and leaving damaged buildings for blocks in every direction. less

WEST, TX - APRIL 18: Hewitt, Texas police officer Mike Zahirniak (R) comforts his son, Coy Zahirniak, 9, outside the West Community Center the day after the West Fertilizer Company explosion April 18, 2013 in ... more

Shown are the remains of a fertilizer plant destroyed by an explosion in West, Texas, Thursday, April 18, 2013. A massive explosion at the West Fertilizer Co. killed as many as 15 people and injured more than 160, officials said overnight. (AP Photo/LM Otero) less

Shown are the remains of a fertilizer plant destroyed by an explosion in West, Texas, Thursday, April 18, 2013. A massive explosion at the West Fertilizer Co. killed as many as 15 people and injured more than ... more

Photo: LM Otero, Associated Press

Shown are the remains of a fertilizer plant destroyed by an... Photo-4490866.60587 - NewsTimes

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A devastated home near the West Fertilizer Co. plant on Thursday, April 18, 2013, in West, Texas. A massive explosion at the plant killed as many as 15 people and injured more than 160, officials said overnight. less

A devastated home near the West Fertilizer Co. plant on Thursday, April 18, 2013, in West, Texas. A massive explosion at the plant killed as many as 15 people and injured more than 160, officials said ... more

Photo: Johnny Hanson, Houston Chronicle

A devastated home near the West Fertilizer Co. plant on Thursday,... Photo-4491968.60587 - NewsTimes

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A firefighter walks past a pickup truck with debris from a storage shed on it at a fertilizer plant in West, Texas after an explosion Wednesday April 17, 2013. A massive explosion at the fertilizer plant near Waco on Wednesday night injured dozens of people and sent flames shooting into the night sky, leaving the factory a smoldering ruin following a blast that damaged buildings for blocks in every direction. MANDATORY CREDIT; MAGS OUT; TV OUT; INTERNET USE BY AP MEMBERS ONLY; less

A firefighter walks past a pickup truck with debris from a storage shed on it at a fertilizer plant in West, Texas after an explosion Wednesday April 17, 2013. A massive explosion at the fertilizer plant near ... more

Photo: The Dallas Morning News, Michael Ainsworth

A firefighter walks past a pickup truck with debris from a storage... Photo-4490354.60587 - NewsTimes

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West resident Crystal Ledane, talks to the media near site of a massive explosion at a fertilizer plant in West, Texas on April 17, 2013. Her home was destroyed by the explosion.

West resident Crystal Ledane, talks to the media near site of a massive explosion at a fertilizer plant in West, Texas on April 17, 2013. Her home was destroyed by the explosion.

Photo: Michael Ainsworth

West resident Crystal Ledane, talks to the media near site of a... Photo-4491067.60587 - NewsTimes

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Waco Police Sgt. William Swanton speaks during a press conference on the explosion at a fertilizer plant Thursday April 18, 2013 in West, Tx.

Waco Police Sgt. William Swanton speaks during a press conference on the explosion at a fertilizer plant Thursday April 18, 2013 in West, Tx.

West Thrift Shop manager Maria Galvan (left) and Anissa Adamson clean the shop as workers board up windows, Thursday April 18, 2013, at after an explosion at a fertilizer plant Wednesday evening in West, Tx.

West Thrift Shop manager Maria Galvan (left) and Anissa Adamson clean the shop as workers board up windows, Thursday April 18, 2013, at after an explosion at a fertilizer plant Wednesday evening in West, Tx.

Shattered windows at the West Thrift Shop after an explosion at a fertilizer plant Thursday April 18, 2013 in West, Tx.

Shattered windows at the West Thrift Shop after an explosion at a fertilizer plant Thursday April 18, 2013 in West, Tx.

Photo: Edward A. Ornelas, San Antonio Express-News

Shattered windows at the West Thrift Shop after an explosion at a... Photo-4491433.60587 - NewsTimes

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Workers board up a wind of the West News newspaper office after the West Fertilizer Co. explosion on Thursday, April 18, 2013, in West, Texas. A massive explosion at the plant killed as many as 15 people and injured more than 160, officials said overnight. less

Workers board up a wind of the West News newspaper office after the West Fertilizer Co. explosion on Thursday, April 18, 2013, in West, Texas. A massive explosion at the plant killed as many as 15 people and ... more

Photo: Johnny Hanson, Houston Chronicle

Workers board up a wind of the West News newspaper office after the... Photo-4491943.60587 - NewsTimes

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Workers board up a wind of the West News newspaper office after the West Fertilizer Co. explosion on Thursday, April 18, 2013, in West, Texas. A massive explosion at the plant killed as many as 15 people and injured more than 160, officials said overnight. less

Workers board up a wind of the West News newspaper office after the West Fertilizer Co. explosion on Thursday, April 18, 2013, in West, Texas. A massive explosion at the plant killed as many as 15 people and ... more

Photo: Johnny Hanson, Houston Chronicle

Workers board up a wind of the West News newspaper office after the... Photo-4491946.60587 - NewsTimes

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Workers board up a wind of the West News newspaper office after the West Fertilizer Co. explosion on Thursday, April 18, 2013, in West, Texas. A massive explosion at the plant killed as many as 15 people and injured more than 160, officials said overnight. less

Workers board up a wind of the West News newspaper office after the West Fertilizer Co. explosion on Thursday, April 18, 2013, in West, Texas. A massive explosion at the plant killed as many as 15 people and ... more

Photo: Johnny Hanson, Houston Chronicle

Workers board up a wind of the West News newspaper office after the... Photo-4491950.60587 - NewsTimes

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Workers board up a wind of the West News newspaper office after the West Fertilizer Co. explosion on Thursday, April 18, 2013, in West, Texas. A massive explosion at the plant killed as many as 15 people and injured more than 160, officials said overnight. less

Workers board up a wind of the West News newspaper office after the West Fertilizer Co. explosion on Thursday, April 18, 2013, in West, Texas. A massive explosion at the plant killed as many as 15 people and ... more

Photo: Johnny Hanson, Houston Chronicle

Workers board up a wind of the West News newspaper office after the... Photo-4491951.60587 - NewsTimes

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Workers sweep up glass and board up windows, Thursday April 18, 2013, at West Thrift Shop after an explosion at a fertilizer plant Wednesday evening in West, Tx.

Workers sweep up glass and board up windows, Thursday April 18, 2013, at West Thrift Shop after an explosion at a fertilizer plant Wednesday evening in West, Tx.

Shane Northcutt removes shattered glass from the display windows of The Village Shoppe in West, Texas on Thursday, April 18, 2013. A massive explosion at the West Fertilizer Co. killed as many as 15 people and injured more than 160, officials said overnight. The explosion that struck around 8 p.m. Wednesday, sent flames shooting into the night sky and rained burning embers and debris down on shocked and frightened residents. less

Shane Northcutt removes shattered glass from the display windows of The Village Shoppe in West, Texas on Thursday, April 18, 2013. A massive explosion at the West Fertilizer Co. killed as many as 15 people and ... more

An elderly person is assisted at a staging area at a local school stadium following an explosion at a fertilizer plant Wednesday, April 17, 2013, in West, Texas. An explosion at a fertilizer plant near Waco caused numerous injuries and sent flames shooting high into the night sky on Wednesday. less

An elderly person is assisted at a staging area at a local school stadium following an explosion at a fertilizer plant Wednesday, April 17, 2013, in West, Texas. An explosion at a fertilizer plant near Waco ... more

Photo: Waco Tribune Herald, Rod Aydelotte

An elderly person is assisted at a staging area at a local school... Photo-4490383.60587 - NewsTimes

A mushroom cloud of smoke rising from an explosion at a fertilizer... Photo-4489632.60587 - NewsTimes

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Bobby Rios, right, cleans up shattered windows at a store in West, Texas, on Thursday, April 18, 2013. Much of the small town suffered damage when a fertilizer plant caught fire causing a massive explosion Wednesday night. Authorities are still trying to determine the death and injury toll. (Ron T. Ennis/Fort Worth Star-Telegram/MCT) less

Bobby Rios, right, cleans up shattered windows at a store in West, Texas, on Thursday, April 18, 2013. Much of the small town suffered damage when a fertilizer plant caught fire causing a massive explosion ... more

Shattered windows at West Furniture on Thursday morning, April 18, 2013, after an explosion at a fertilizer plant in West on Wednesday night.

Shattered windows at West Furniture on Thursday morning, April 18, 2013, after an explosion at a fertilizer plant in West on Wednesday night.

Photo: Edward A. Ornelas, San Antonio Express-News

Shattered windows at West Furniture on Thursday morning, April 18,... Photo-4490335.60587 - NewsTimes

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This video image provided by WFAA-TV shows injured people being treated on the flood-lit the high school football field turned into a staging area after the blast in West Texas Wednesday April 17, 2013.

This video image provided by WFAA-TV shows injured people being treated on the flood-lit the high school football field turned into a staging area after the blast in West Texas Wednesday April 17, 2013.

An elderly person is assisted at a staging area at a local school stadium following an explosion at a fertilizer plant Wednesday, April 17, 2013, in West, Texas. An explosion at a fertilizer plant near Waco caused numerous injuries and sent flames shooting high into the night sky on Wednesday. less

An elderly person is assisted at a staging area at a local school stadium following an explosion at a fertilizer plant Wednesday, April 17, 2013, in West, Texas. An explosion at a fertilizer plant near Waco ... more

Photo: Waco Tribune Herald, Rod Aydelotte

An elderly person is assisted at a staging area at a local school... Photo-4490357.60587 - NewsTimes

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A fire fighter searches a nursing home that was damaged after an explosion at a neary by fertilizer plant Wednesday, April 17, 2013, in West, Texas.

A fire fighter searches a nursing home that was damaged after an explosion at a neary by fertilizer plant Wednesday, April 17, 2013, in West, Texas.

Photo: Waco Tribune Herald, Rod Aydelotte

A fire fighter searches a nursing home that was damaged after an... Photo-4490351.60587 - NewsTimes

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An emergency worker walks through damaged apartment building following a fertilizer plant explosion Wednesday, April 17, 2013, in West, Texas. An explosion at a fertilizer plant near Waco Wednesday night injured dozens of people and sent flames shooting high into the night sky, leaving the factory a smoldering ruin and causing major damage to surrounding buildings. (AP Photo/ Waco Tribune Herald, Rod Aydelotte) less

An emergency worker walks through damaged apartment building following a fertilizer plant explosion Wednesday, April 17, 2013, in West, Texas. An explosion at a fertilizer plant near Waco Wednesday night ... more

Persons are seen pushing wheel chairs in front of a damaged nursing home following an explosion at a nearby fertilizer plant Wednesday, April 17, 2013, in West, Texas. An explosion at a fertilizer plant near Waco caused numerous injuries and sent flames shooting high into the night sky on Wednesday. less

Persons are seen pushing wheel chairs in front of a damaged nursing home following an explosion at a nearby fertilizer plant Wednesday, April 17, 2013, in West, Texas. An explosion at a fertilizer plant near ... more

Photo: AP

Persons are seen pushing wheel chairs in front of a damaged nursing... Photo-4490374.60587 - NewsTimes

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Emergency workers assist an elderly person at a staging area at a local school stadium Wednesday, April 17, 2013, in West, Texas. An explosion Wednesday night at a fertilizer plant near Waco sent flames shooting high into the night sky, leaving the factory a smoldering ruin, causing major damage at nearby buildings and injuring numerous people. less

Emergency workers assist an elderly person at a staging area at a local school stadium Wednesday, April 17, 2013, in West, Texas. An explosion Wednesday night at a fertilizer plant near Waco sent flames ... more

Photo: Waco Tribune Herald, Rod Aydelotte

Emergency workers assist an elderly person at a staging area at a... Photo-4490345.60587 - NewsTimes

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An ambulance leaves Thursday April 18, 2013 at the area where a fertilizer blew up near the town of West, Texas.

An ambulance leaves Thursday April 18, 2013 at the area where a fertilizer blew up near the town of West, Texas.

Photo: JOHN DAVENPORT, Express-News

An ambulance leaves Thursday April 18, 2013 at the area where a... Photo-4490689.60587 - NewsTimes

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A state trooper blocks traffic in West, Texas, on Thursday, April 18, 2013. Much of the small town suffered damage when a fertilizer plant caught fire causing a massive explosion Wednesday night. Authorities are still trying to determine the death and injury toll. (Ron T. Ennis/Fort Worth Star-Telegram/MCT) less

A state trooper blocks traffic in West, Texas, on Thursday, April 18, 2013. Much of the small town suffered damage when a fertilizer plant caught fire causing a massive explosion Wednesday night. Authorities ... more

An emergency worker walks through damaged apartment building following a fertilizer plant explosion Wednesday, April 17, 2013, in West, Texas. An explosion at a fertilizer plant near Waco Wednesday night injured dozens of people and sent flames shooting high into the night sky, leaving the factory a smoldering ruin and causing major damage to surrounding buildings. (AP Photo/ Waco Tribune Herald, Rod Aydelotte) less

An emergency worker walks through damaged apartment building following a fertilizer plant explosion Wednesday, April 17, 2013, in West, Texas. An explosion at a fertilizer plant near Waco Wednesday night ... more

Shattered windows after an explosion at a fertilizer plant Thursday April 18, 2013 in West, Tx.

Shattered windows after an explosion at a fertilizer plant Thursday April 18, 2013 in West, Tx.

Photo: Edward A. Ornelas, San Antonio Express-News

Shattered windows after an explosion at a fertilizer plant Thursday... Photo-4491426.60587 - NewsTimes

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Shattered windows at West Furniture after an explosion at a fertilizer plant Thursday April 18, 2013 in West, Tx.

Shattered windows at West Furniture after an explosion at a fertilizer plant Thursday April 18, 2013 in West, Tx.

Photo: Edward A. Ornelas, San Antonio Express-News

Shattered windows at West Furniture after an explosion at a... Photo-4491428.60587 - NewsTimes

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A firetruck drives near main street after an explosion at a fertilizer plant Thursday April 18, 2013 in West, Tx.

A firetruck drives near main street after an explosion at a fertilizer plant Thursday April 18, 2013 in West, Tx.

Photo: Edward A. Ornelas, San Antonio Express-News

A firetruck drives near main street after an explosion at a... Photo-4491430.60587 - NewsTimes

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This aerial photo shows the remains of a fertilizer plant destroyed by an explosion in West, Texas, Thursday, April 18, 2013. A massive explosion at the West Fertilizer Co. killed as many as 15 people and injured more than 160, officials said overnight. The explosion that struck around 8 p.m. Wednesday, sent flames shooting into the night sky and rained burning embers and debris down on shocked and frightened residents. (AP Photo/Tony Gutierrez) less

This aerial photo shows the remains of a fertilizer plant destroyed by an explosion in West, Texas, Thursday, April 18, 2013. A massive explosion at the West Fertilizer Co. killed as many as 15 people and ... more